Where to Stay for 4 nights in London, first timers

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where will you return the car?

South Kensington is a nice area; near the Tower is fine. Anywhere within the Circle Line is fine. There's no one perfect location - well, actually, I think the Savoy has the best location but it may not be in your budget.

Definitely get rid of the car before getting to London.

What is your budget for the hotel?

Thanks already for the responses.
I will look to moving to another thread- I apologize- it’s my first time posting.

We were thinking of taking the car back to Heathrow but I am in the process of looking to see if anything would be closer.

Our budget is flexible, though I’m thinking more middle of the line vs luxury.

If the ticker was leaning anywhere I was edging towards Kennsington- but could be swayed.

Taking the car back to Heathrow is fine but don't go through London.

I’d look into seeing if there’s somewhere closer to drop the car. It should be possible to get into central London pretty easily from anywhere really even if you need a taxi to the train station first.

If budget allows I would always recommend staying right in Central London especially for a first visit. Premier Inn is always recommended but if you can afford a bit more there are some lovely hotels. Last year I stayed at the Clermont Charing Cross which could not have a better location and was a lovely oasis of calm in the West End madness. You can walk almost everywhere from here and it was not too bad price wise.

Bloomsbury and Camden are pleasant neighborhoods and are close in— great for either walking or taking the tube to quickly reach the top sites such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Soho and West End theatres. In Bloomsbury, the Morgan Hotel near the Tottenham Court Road tube station is a great family-owned hotel with moderate rates. The Morgan Hotel is less than one mile from Trafalgar Square. Just north In Camden, the basic Tavistock Hotel has budget rates. Russell Square is the closest tube station. Both offer breakfast in their dining rooms.
Cheers!

So many different good areas to stay in.

South Kensington is nice - a little away from the centre, good transport links, lots of cafes and restaurants. Around Gloucester Road and Earl’s Court tube stations is good - very popular hotel area, and you can get there easily on the direct tube from Heathrow.

The Tower of London is at the easternmost edge of what I’d call “tourist London.” It’s an interesting area but not necessarily for a first visit.

I like the area around Waterloo/County Hall - the south bank of the Thames immediately opposite Parliament and by the London Eye.

I also like Bloomsbury, near the British Museum, very pleasant area close to the centre, lots of hotels at all price points, good transport. Also easy on the direct tube from Heathrow.

See on the website of the company you are renting the car from it they have an office in North Kent.
Saves time going round the M25 to Heathrow.
Maybe even Gatwick then Southern Rail to Victoria

Where are you renting the car from? We took train from Canterbury which was easy and pleasant. Was thinking if you could return car and take train into London, it would be easier than returning car outside of London.

We have enjoyed staying in Chelsea and S. Kensington in London.